The Palette of Life

Although the first days of fasting in Ramadan can be hard there is a lot of benefit in it. We all know the spiritual benefits: you will feel more for the needed, teach yourself self control and purify your heart.

But there are great health benefits that are scientifically proved about fasting the month of Ramadan.
A lot of non Muslims in UAE also fast. It's easy when you are surrounded by such kind environment. But if you do some research a lot of athletes also fast. So if you are non Muslim you can also try some days and get this benefits.

Lowers Cholesterol

By improving the blood fat levels. Studies say that fasting lowers the bad cholesterol levels and increases the good cholesterol. By lowering the bad cholesterol you are improving cardiovascular health, which keeps away heart disease.

During Ramadan opt by breaking fast with dates. People usually tend to eat more home cooked meals and soups. I usually break my fast with dates, then always eat soup, a main course and salad. By eating this I never eat too much of the main course rather I get fuller with a little bit of each. Also try to drink water or fresh fruit juices. Here, Vimto is very famous but it’s full in sugars try to avoid. Also sodas, like coke and 7up. Even the ones without calories. Its better to drink a fresh juice with 200 Kcal than a Coke with 0 kcal.

Help you overcome addictions and detox your body

Fasting may be a very helpful tool to overcome any addictions that you have or to reduce any guilty pleasure like sweets or chocolates. In this month you teach yourself how to restraint from eating and bad habits. If you smoke you cant so instead of smoking in the night reduce it in this month and the last 10 days eliminate. Hopefully you can keep this after Ramadan.

I like chocolates and sweets a lot. And when I feel bored at home I always like to have my tea and some biscuits, cookies, anything sweet. In Ramadan I cant so I just eat 1 small portion of sweet after the iftar. Some days I get so busy that I don’t remember to eat. It’s a way of starting a clean eating. Substitute the deserts by fruits. Start a detox this month.

Helps fight depression

In Ramadan people sit together to eat their meals and communicate more. Engage in social Iftars to improve your mental health.

Organize Iftars at your home that way you will be busy cooking and organizing and you will get a lot of reward for it.

Help with height loss

If you become to close to the sweet table this may not be for you. But if you keep a healthy eating in Ramadan you may shred a few pounds. your apetite will reduce and the stomach will gradually shrink you will need less food to feel full.

11:46
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Instagram + Modest Fashion

I changed my profile picture on Instagram. Before I had a logo that I made very rustic with the name of the blog. But last week I went to Dubai and I took this picture that I love with a beautiful sunset that I decided to use.

I think it gives the blog a little bit more of personality. I wanted my readers to know who is behind the blog and to feel connected with me.

My new profile picture on Instagram

And in the theme of Instagram and social media. I just wanted to write something that has been on my mind on modest fashion and beauty in the social media.

I am all about fashion, since young I loved to go to shoppings to see what's on trend. I never had much money to shop so I just window shopping. I'm happy wih my life and the way that I growed up made me a person that can make the most out of small. So I always try to find bargains and the best discounts and be fashionable at the same time.

When I moved to UAE and started working in Etihad I had to wear make up everyday. So that's when I start taking more attention to make up and all things beauty.

So my opinion is based in my faith and also on what I like.

I see all over Instagram bloggers that are convered to wear clothes that are not modest or that are showing half or their hair. The subject is really sensitive and I always read some comments and people enter in big wars.

I think that once you start a blog and get followers you have a social responsability about what you send out out there. And more than following trends the big personalities are shown by those who can keep their morals, values and faith. I follow big modest fashion bloggers that didn't had to go further from their obligations to get followers. (Scroll down to see some I love). And with this i dont mean you have to wear all black(aka Abaya) to be modest. Everyone has their own culture and the meaning of hijab and be modest is to cover. This goes for woman and for men.

As I reader I like this: To see someone who is truth to their self's. I like to follow and get inspiratiin by someone who didn't care about what society told them to do.

We often read about how hijab is enslaving the woman, hijab is a prison. But I think the biggest oppression is when the woman is not free to wear more. We are always in a pressure to wear less.

Doesn't the big oppression come when countries like France that is against the full swuimsuit. There is a brand, Marks and Spencer, launching a full swuimsuit ( often called Burkini) for muslim woman to enjoy going to the beach or pool like everyone else. And everyone is against this. The people against are not allowing muslim women to go to the beach. So who is opppressing?

I wish there were more brands like Marks Spencer that come forward and think about their whole public.

Let's all be truth to our beliefs. And get followers and be an inspiration for what we are, not what they want us to be.

Some hijab bloggers I follow:

10:55
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Back at it againg with the blog!

Blogging

10:08
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Foodie Thursdays - Portuguese Heritage

Food

This week I had a lunch at a friends house. Since they are from Arab countries I decided to take something Portuguese to show the delicious Portuguese gastronomy.

Some things that I miss from my country are the delicious desserts, this two in particular remind me of special occasions.

The Arroz Doce (Portuguese sweet Rice) is a very old recipe and no one does this better than our grand mothers. I have some memories of going to my grandmother house and smell the cinnamon coming from the kitchen while she was making this amazing dessert.

It is actually pretty easy to make. I prefer mine a little bit more creamy than sticky so don't get scared if you think its too much milk. I also like to eat it warm not cold, just go with me this flavors are so good just a little bit warm. And if you live in a country where is cold now this dessert will warm up your day or night,

The next thing I made was Sonhos (dreams). This sweet is usually made during winter holidays and I have no idea why only. Usually in Portugal we wait the whole year to have this.

I actually never made it before so I think it was a success they were so delicious. Everyone loved it. And now that I lost my fear of doing them I don't need to wait for holiday season I'll just make them all the time!!!

Finally, I made Croquetes (meat pastries). This are everywhere in Portugal. Usually they are a big hit in parties. I love them so much. Also really easy to make.

So here is the 3 recipes:

Portuguese Dreams

Ingredients:

125 ml water

125 ml milk

50 g butter

Orange peel

150 g flour

4 eggs

frying oil

sugar and cinnamon powder to decorate

How to do:

1. In a pan, add water, milk, orange peel, salt and butter. Let it boil. When starts boiling add the flour and mix very well until it forms a dough.

2. Remove the dough from the pan and let it cool for a while. Remove the orange peel.

3. Add the eggs one by one and stirr well until smooth.

4. With the help of 2 spoons make small balls be carefully because they will triple the volume. Fry in hot oil in low heat and chop with a toothpick.

4. After frying, remove to a plate with paper towels.

5. Mix the sugar with cinnamon and coat the dreams.

Arroz Doce (Portuguese sweet rice)

Ingredients:

250 gr of rice
400 gr of sugar
6 egg yolks
3 lemon peel
2 cinnamon sticks
50 g butter
0,5 like water
1 cup of milk
1700 ml milk
Salt Cinnamon

How to do it:

1. In a pan boil add the water and rice. Season with salt and boil until there is no more water.
2. Add the butter, the lemon peel, cinnamon sticks and milk. Mix and let it cool for 30 minutes. Add the sugar.
3. Mix the eggs yolks with the cup of milk. And add to the rice.
When it starts to boil remove from heat.
4. Serve it decorated with cinnamon.

Croquetes

Ingredients:

350g minced meat
20g butter
1 garlic clove
1 bay leave
1 tsp parsley
lemon drops
Bechamel Sauce
salt and pepper
2 beatten eggs
Breadcrums
Oil to fry

How to do:

1. in a pan add the butter, crushed garlic, bay leaf and meat. Season with salt and pepper and cook. Stir well until all the meat falls apart. remove the bay leaf .
2. Add the bechamel sauce to the meat and mix well. Check the seasoning. When the mix starts to come off the bottom of the pan remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. With the dough, mold the Croquetes and pass them in beaten egg and then in breadcrumbs,
4. Fry the Croquetes both sides in hot oil. remove and place on a plate with paper towels.

Croquetes are also a good lunch served with rice.

If you got curious about Portuguese recipes you can find more here, here and here.

Hope you liked it.
Are you going to try them? If you do please tag me on Instagram @the_paletteoflife I want to see how your recipes turned out!!

15:36
4 Comments

Organize Your MakeUp

Fashion

I like long romantic walks..

Around the Make Up Aisle

For us girls make up is like part of our lives. I couldn't leave without make up. Although sometimes I like to let my face breathe mostly everyday I wear make up.

For the everyday, I usually put foundation+powder, I would go just with foundation or a BB cream but because of the heat in UAE and my t-zone oily face I can't forget the powder. Top it with mascara and eyeliner... and voilá.

If I have more time usually on weekends I put more effort in my make up and do some cat eyeliner a smoky eye, false eyelashes and some contouring.

After applying make up the beauty corner is a big mess. I think is every woman struggle to find their make up inside all the the make up pouches and boxes. we have our eyeliners in one place the eye shadows in another finding and organizing is a complication.

I've seen all the bloggers using this make up organization. And I'm not exception. I got mine in a Facebook page. It's very practical with the drawers and the lipstick organizer. I'm very happy with it. And now all I want is to have more make up to fill those drawers.

But if you are a DIY girls there is so many nice ideas on Pinterest. Ill show you some that I loved.

I don't own to many nail polishes because usually I go to salon but this idea with the cake stand is so cute. Or the cookie jar. Beauty is also a good sweet for us!!

If you are practical or you have to rush to work everyday and want to have your daily make up essentials on hand why not magnetize your products and display them. You will definitely know where they are.

For the brushes I still haven't decided where I'll put mines. I like the idea with the coffee beans it will hold the brushes and also give an extra nice smell in the house. And coffee beans are also good to absorve bad smells.
The Ikea white vases are also a really cute idea. I've seen them everywhere and for the price It's really a good option.

Hope you enjoyed the ideas.Tell me how to you organize your make up.

Sofia Dias

09:51
4 Comments

Brigadeiros

Food

14:27
1 Comments

Foodie Thursdays - Musakhan

Food

11:00
3 Comments

Addicted to Series

diary

14:54
0 Comments

Ripe Market Mushrif Park

diary

11:23
4 Comments

Fashion obsession... Sleeveless Coats

Fashion

11:21
0 Comments

Fall Nails

Make up

11:17
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It spot.... Gossip Desserts

Food

10:50
1 Comments

When you feel Sad, do this

diary

Because Life is already hard

sometimes all we need

is that piece of chocolate

When I feel down sometimes I want to give up. I feel like I'm done with this life and there is nothing more out there for me. This way of thinking is very destructible and I've been starting to build a stronger character that doesn't make me give up on everything.

We all have ups and downs in our life. And for sure our ups will be more than downs. And the downs are there to make sure we keep our feet on the ground. So what can we do to feel better when we have a down moment? Here is my top things to do.

1. Buy a candle with your favorite scent and light up. It’s been proven that certain fragrances can have an effect on your mood.

2. Spend time helping others. Like playing with children, sit with elderly people or do some charity work. Helping others is always rewarding and gives you a sense of being useful to the society. Spending time playing with children can always make you better. Children are innocent and always fun. Elderly people always have a good advice.

3. Exercise. Because exercise gives you endorphin. And this hormones are the responsible of making you happy!

4. Grab a tea or a coffee your favorite biscuits/chocolates/popcorn and watch your favorite TV shows. This doesn't even need explanation. It includes food and TV. Watch those TV shows that everyone is always afraid to admit they watch. TLC is full of them.

5. Pinterest. Go to Pinterest and search inspirational quotes. I always spend to much time on Pinterest. I start by searching food recipes 3 hours later I'm watching funny inspirational quotes or thinking about redecorating my bathroom. For sure you will not be thinking about what is bothering you

7. Shopping. Shopping always gives a sense of happiness. Pampering yourself is important to feel like you're worth. You are the most important thing in your life. So treat yourself nicely. Even if you don't have a lot of money buy that cheap nail polish from the dollar store something that would make you feel good at the time. But don't exaggerate, don't spend your whole salary or you will have one more thing to worry about.

6. Pray. Pray comes in the same category as talking to someone. But much better. I'm not saying we shouldn't talk with a close friend or a relative but sometimes we talk with someone and we don't get the support we were expecting or their opinion is really hurtful so instead of getting even more sad, why not pray? Whatever your religion is or even if you're not into praying, try. Just seat and try to talk about what is making you feel sad. There is nothing better. When we feel sad we just want to talk about what is hurting us. All we need is someone to listen. You can be sure that you will not hear: I told you so or I knew he wasn't man for you, etc, etc, whatever the reason is making you feel sad. And if you believe, God is always listening to us. And He always helps.

What about you? what are your tricks to lift your mood?

10:47
2 Comments

Foodie Thursdays - Fish and Chia

Food

This week has been a little bit busy and yesterday I got a little bit sick so cooking wasn't my desire at all. Also, I wasn't feeling like eating chicken or meat so I decided to make this Baked Fish Fillet recipe.

Living in the UAE I always feel like we don't eat enough fish or seafood. One of my childhood memories was going with my parents to this restaurant in Lisbon, where we used to get stuffed with seafood. I remember the crab, shrimps, shellfish and we used to finish with the creamy seafood soup. We only go in the end of the month when was salary day. So we were always waiting for day 30 of the month. That was good memories. If anyone is reading this post from Portugal the restaurant is Eduardo das Conquilhas.

White fish fillet is relatively cheap and easy to cook. You just throw the fish in the oven with some spices, bake and its' done.

When I get in this mood there is only one thing that saves me: Sweets! And to satisfy my cravings without too much damage I went for a Chia seed pudding.
I just discovered the benefits of Chia seeds. These little seeds are packed with omega 3 fatty acids, Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin C. For me the best benefit is that they help with digestion and can absorb up to 30 times their water volume helping with bloating.

Baked White Fish

Ingredients:
White fish fillet
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp coriander
1 lemon
salt and peper
Olive oil or Butter

How to do:
Preheat the oven.
Rub the fish with the butter or the olive oil season with salt pepper, chili flakes and coriander.
place the lemon sliced in and oven tray and place the seasoned fish.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes.

Serve with vegetables.

Simple Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Chia seeds
1 cup Coconut milk
1 tsp Honey

How to do:
Mix all the ingredients and put in a container, like a mason jar.
Let it rest in the fridge for 1 hour and half and mix it.
After another hour and half check the consistency.
If it's your desired consistency top with your favorite topping: Fresh fruits, fruit jam, chocolate, nuts. There are endless possibilities.